The father of a 3-year-old boy found dead in a swing being pushed by his mother wanted full custody of the child. And he tells WRC that the boy's death was a week after a judge denied that request.

James Lee went to court asking for full custody saying that the boy's mother, Romechia Simms, was suffering from mental illness and wanted to get her help. He told the judge that he thought he would be the better parent, but the judge disagreed.

Lee said the judge said, "he just didn't pay attention to the signs," WRC reported.

Two days before Ji-Aire was found dead, Lee said Simms called him telling him he needed to pick up her and their son immediately. He was at work. By the time he was done, Simms stopped answering Lee's calls, he told WRC.

Police are still trying to figure out a timeline, but as The Associated Press reported, officials have not found an obvious signs of foul play for Ji-Aire.

Police, according to AP, have not said if the mother's alleged mental illness played a part in the child's death.